Driving and braking mechanism.



P. o. ATHERTN. DRIVING AND BRAKING MBCHANISM. APPLICATION YILBD APILZB, 1909. BENEWED JULY 30, 1912. 1 ,055,012. 1 Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

4 mam/hoz P2Sien 'lerialz P. C. ATHERTON. DRIVING AND BRAKING MEGHANISM. K APPLIUATION FILED Amma, 1909. BENEWED JULY so, 1912.

Patented Mar.

2 sums-SHEET z.

i unrrnn sfrarns yrar-ENT oFFicE.

FISHER o'. A'rHian'io'N, Vor BUFFALQ'KNEW YORK.

DRIVING AND BBAKING IVIECHANISM.

Specication of Letters Patent.

ratenteaiiar. i, 191e.v

Application filed April 23, 1909, Serial No. 491,825. Renewed July 30, 1912. Serial No. 712,296.

T0 allwhom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, FISHER C. A'riiun'roN, citizen of the United States, residing. at Buffalo, in the county of Erier and State of New York, have invented new and `useful Improvements in Driving and Braking Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

My invent-ion relates to a driving and braking mechanism for wheels and consists of a wheel-hub of the type commonly known as coaster-brakes and particularlyy adapty ed for bicycles, in which on the forward rotation of the sprocket wheel a clutch is thrown into engagement to cause a similar rotation ofthe wheel-hub, while a reverse rotation of the sprocket-wheel operates a suitable brake to cause a braking of the hub, and adapted when the sprocket wheel is at rest to permit vthe wheel-hub to fri-evolve.

freely on its bearings. To accomplishy this I have devised a coasterfbrake ashereinafter described, having particularly in view the production of an improved brake of simple and compact construction which will be reliable and. eective in its operation, quickly responsive and with` the least possible wear These and other advantages of my improved brake will be readily understood byv'reference to the accompanying drawings in which the numerals of the description indicate corresponding parts in all the views. l' n In the drawings Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a coaster-brake employing my invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation thereof with the hub-barrel shown in section. Figs. 3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of my invention taken respectively on lines 3 3 and 4-4 of Fig. 1 4as viewed toward the left.y Fig. 5 is va side elevation of my brake as applied to a bicycle. Figs. 6 and 7 are views particularly showing my braking mechanism being respectively an end elevation of my brake with the securing arm removed and a vertical cross-sectional view on line 7-#7 of Fig. 1 looking toward the right. y Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view showing the wedge-segments and retaining ring therefor.

In the figures, l f ndicates the usual stafl tionary axle or spindle for the wheel-hub,

rigidly supported, forinstance in the reary frame members ,Il of a bicycle as;

forks or shown, and fixed in position by the securing 'eccentric .bearing surfaces y respective cam-surfaces, whereby on for;-

nuts 5 5 arranged on either end of the axle. Journaled to rotate on the axle is the usual wheel-hub A comprising a suitable hubbarrel, forming a casing for the driving and brakingV mechanism, having the integral spoke-rings 6-(5, and at either end, bearings for the hub; the right hand bearing providing the internalcup-cone or ball-race S and the left bearing a similar balli-.race 9. Ar-

ranged in the ball-races 8 and 9 between the hub-bearings and coperating bearing cones carried on the axle, the usual series of antifriction balls 1,1 and 12 are interposed. As shown, the left hand cone 14, arranged to cooperate with theV left hand hub bearing, is formed on the brake-actuating sleeve 15 loosely journaled on the axle. To form a y similar cooperating conefor the right hub. bearing, the sprocket member 20, loosely Journaled on the axle, is provided with the external conical portion 21 arranged to re-k .tain between it and the right hub-bearing :the balls 11 as aforesaid.

This driving member has fixed thereon the usual'drivingsprocket 22 secured in position by nut 23, and is also provided with an internal cup cone or ball-race 24 forming a bearing for the drive member, between which and the Vcone 25, threaded on to the right end of the axle, anti-friction balls 27 are interposed. As will be seen the hub-barrel A is thus'free to revolve independently on its bearings 11 and 12 whichy is normally the case, that is, when the sprocket-member 2O is at rest. However when the sprocket-member is rotated by means of the sprocket thereon, means are provided to co-act therewith,

whereby on the forward rotation, the hubbarrel will be locked to the sprocket-meniber to be driven thereby, while, on the re-` verse rotation, a suitable brake mechanism is actuated to retard or stop the rotation of the hub, Thisis accomplishedloy the action of a cam-sleeve 28 journaled on the axle andy connected to be operated by the drive member by being fitted to the squared end 30 of said member; the cam-sleeve being provided with reversely arranged eccentric. cam-surare held the propelling wedge-segments 34 and brake-actuating wedge-segments 35, arranged in pairsand provided kwith inner 38 and 39 for the -facesf32 and 33 as best illustrated`4 in Figs. 3 i and 4. Against vthe respective cam-surfaces ward or reverse rotation of the sleeve the cam-surfaces operate respectively to force the propelling-segments or the brake-actuating segments outwardly into engagement to operate as a clutch to propel or to actuate a retarding brake for the hub-barrel. To accomplish the former, that is to propel the hub on the forward rotation of the sprocketwheel and cam-sleeve, the propelling-segments 34 are arranged to be then forced into engagement with the inner peripheral bearing surface 36 of the hub-barrel thus positively locking the cam-sleeve to the wheel-hub to rotate together.

To maintain the relation of the segments a retaining ring 40 is interposed between the respective propelling and brake-actuating segments, providedv with oppositely arranged lugs 4l engaging suitable notches 43 in the wedge segments as best shown in Fig. 8 whereby the segments are secured to rotate together on t-he rotation of the sleeve; the segment notches being adapted to permit the necessary movement of the segments with relation to the cam-surfaces.

To operate the braking mechanism, which is an important part of my invention, the brake-actuating-segments are adapted to be forced outwardly by their cam-surfaces into engagement with the inner periphery of the flanged brake-actuating-sleeve 15, on the reverse movement of the sprocket-wheel, thus locking the driving sleeve 2S to the brake-sleeve whereby they will be rotated together-the brake-actuating sleeve having cam-portions 44 adapted to throw into operation a braking means now to be described. As best shown in Figs. 6 and?, this braking means consists of oppositely arranged brake-pieces or shoes 4G surrounc ing the cam-portions 44 and adapted to be forced outwardly by the action of said camportions to produce a retarding friction between their outer contact surfaces and the inner peripheral surface of the laterally extending flange 48 of the hub-barrel; the brake-pieces are provided with adjacent beveled ends 49 between which are arranged the spreading-wedge pieces 5() as shown, interposed between the cam po-rtions 44 and the brake-pieces and engaged by the former to cause the expanding of the brake-pieces on the reverse rotation of the sprocket to effect t-he bra-king of the hub as best shown in Fig. 7. To insure the retracting or return of the brake-pieces into normal position on the .release of the braking action of the sprocket-wheel, the wedges 50 as shown are formed to be engaged by the cams only at one of the inner corners thereof, and, further-to insure said return of the brakepieces, spring-piece 52 is provided with opposite integral springs 53 withtheir tips in engagement with small shoulder 54 of the brake-pieces, tending to retract said brake-pieces to their normal positions. To secure the brake-pieces to prevent rotation thereof, whereby they offer braking resistance to the hub when in frictional engagement therewith, the brake-pieces are provided with opposite recesses 55 to which are fitted suitable engaging lugs 5G of the stationary end-plate 58, held stationary by the retaining arm G0, fitted to the squared shoulder 61, provided for its application on the plate 5S, and secured at its upper end to a suitable hanger G3 fixed on the frame. Small collar G5 on the axle is provided to assist in securing the parts in assembled position as shown in Fig. l, the said collar engaging the drive-sleeve 2S which in turn has provided thereon a collar or shoulder 6G to secure the segments in position.

The operation of my improved mechanism is as follows z-On the forward revolution of the sprocketthe driving sleeve QS is rotated by the sprocket member to cause the propelling-segments to be forced outwardly by t-he cam-surfaces 39.A whereby their outer co'ncentrimsurfaces engage the inner periphery of the hub-bearing 36, locking the driving sleeve thereto so that on further forward rotation of the sleeve a similar propelling movement is imparted to the hubebarrel. The segments are retained in said locking position during said forward rotation. When the sprocket wheel is held at rest, the wedge-segments will recede, being then permitted to ride down the camsurfaces, releasing the hub to coast that is to rotate on the roller-bearings l1 and l2 independent of the driving or propelling means. As best illustrated in Figs. 4, 6 and 7 a reverse or rearward movement of the sprocket-wheel (as indicated by the arrow,

Fig. 4) operates to throw into action the brake-actuating segments 35 by reason of the cam-surfaces 33 acting thereon, forcing them outwardly whereby their outer concentric surfaces engage the inner periphery of the brake sleeve, locking the driving-sleeve and brake-sleeve to rotate together. A further reverse movement will rotate the brakesleeve to force outwardly the brake-expanding-wedges 50, by the engagement therewith of its cams 44, throwing the brake pieces into frictional braking engagement with the hub-barrel, the extent of said frictional engagement being governed by the pressure applied on t-he reverse of the sprocket wheel.

I have thus produced a simple device for the purpose described having comparatively few parts, the parts being so formed and arranged that the greatest compactness is' secured, and which may be easily assembled, is quickly responsive on either forward roK tation of the sprocket to propel the hub oion the reverse rota-tion to set the brake, and which will be positive in its operation while adapted to be used with the desirable concave hub having a small center. I-Iavmg thus described my invention, What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a drivingl and braking mechanismv for Wheels, the combination With the hub and the axle, of brake-members suitably arranged to be expanded into braking contact with the hub, brake-expanding Wedges interposed between the brake-members to spread said members 'into braking contact upon being separated, a sprocket member suitably ournaled and means operated by the sarocltet member to cause the separation of tie Wedges upon the reverse rotation thereof. n

2.111 a coaster-brake, the combination with the hub and the axle` of a sprocketmember Journaled on the axle, an actuatingsleeve journaled on t-he axle and connected with the sprocket-member to rotate therewith, said sleeve being provided with cpposite eccentric surfaces, a brake-operating sleeve provided with radially acting brake actuating cams, a braking means operated by said cams on the rotation of the brakeoperat-ing sleeve in one direction and clutchmembers interposed between the sleeve-accentric and brake-actuating sleeve operative to secure said sleeves to rotate together on the reverse rotation of the sprocket-member.

3. In a coaster-brake the combination with the hub and the axle, of brake-members suitably arranged t-o be expanded into braking contact with the hub, brake-expanding Wedges interposed between the brake-members to spread said members into braking contact upon being separated, spring pieces normally to retain the brake-members together and to return them when released by the Wedges, a sprocket-member Ysuitably journaled and means operated by 4the sprocket-member to cause the separation of the wedges upon the reverse rotation thereof.

4t. In a coaster-brake the combination with,

the hub and the axle, of an operating sleeve journaled on the axle, and provided Withopposite eccentric surfaces, a brake-sleeve suitably journaled and provided with a third set of eccentric surfaces, means operated by one set of the operating eccentrics on the rota-` tion 'thereof in one direction to cause a similar rotation of the hub, means operated by the opposite eccentrics on the reverse rotation to cause a similar rotation of the brakesleeve, a sprocket member rotatably connected to the operating sleeve and a braking means operated by the brake-sleeve eccentrics to cause the braking of the hub.

5. In a coaster-brake the combination With the hub and the axle, of brake-segments suitably arranged to be expanded into braking Contact with the hub, and provided with oppcfsitely arranged guide-slots, a fixed retaining plate having lugs fitted to said segmentslots to secure the segments against rotation, said segments having their adjacent ends beveled, brake-expanding ivedges to expand f the brake-segmentsv interposed between said kbeveled ends. a brake-actuating sleeve suitablyv journaled and provided With opposite radially acting cam surfaces to engage the Wedges to cause expanding of the brakemem the segments together and to return them to their initial position upon being released by the Wedges, a sprocket-member suitably journaled,k and connections bet-Ween the sprocket-member and brake-actuating sleeve, whereby they are secured to rotate together to produce a braking pressure.

6. In a driving and braking mechanism for Wheels, the combination with the hub and the axle, of a driving sleeve suitably journaled, a cam-sleeve rotatably connected to the drive-sleeve, said cam-sleeve being formed on the opposite end from the drivesleeve with reverse eccentrics, driving segments fitted to the eccentrics operative on the forward rotation of the drive-sleeve to, be operated thereby to engage the hub,bra.ke segments fitted to the eccentrics operative on the reverse rotation of the drive-sleeve, brake-members arranged to be expandedk into braking contact with the hub, brakeexpanding Wedges interposed between the brake-members to spread said members into braking contact upon being separated, a brake-actuating sleeve suitably journaled and provided with cam surfaces to cause the separation. of the expanding Wedges upon being rotated, said brake-actuating sleeve having a laterally extending flange surrounding the brake-segments Ato be engaged thereby to secure the said sleeve to the drive-sleeve on the reverse rotation of the drive-sleeve to operate the brake.

7. In a driving and braking mechanism for Wheels, the combination with the hub andthe axle, of a driving-member'journaled on the axle, abrake-operating sleeve provided With radially acting cam surfaces, a braking means operated by said cam surfaces on theoscillation of the sleeve in one direction, means to secure the driving-,member and the hub to rotate together on the forward rotation of said member and means ers, spring-pieces normally to retain to impart the reverse movement of the drivi ing-member to the said sleeve to operate the brake.

- 8. In a coaster-brake, the combination with the hub and the axle, of brake members the driving member and brake actuating` suitably arranged to be expandedinto braking Contact with the hubJ oppositely arranged brake expanding Wedges to expand 5 the brake members upon being separated, a brake-actuating sleeve suitably journaled and provided with radially acting cam surfaces to separate the Wedges to cause expanding of the brake members, a driving member 10 suitably journaled and connections between sleeve whereby they are secured to rotate together to produce a braking pressure.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of l5 two subscribing Witnesses.

FISHER C. ATHERTON.

vWitnesses CARRIE S. BROWN, CAROLINE A. HEDGE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

